Our first White House Report Card in the new Biden era starts with an “A” from Democratic pollster John Zogby and a “C-” from the Secrets desk.
Since his inauguration, President Biden has been active, issuing several executive orders to overturn or stop several of former President Trump’s initiatives. Many suggest that he is moving much further to the left than he suggested during the campaign.
But Zogby found peace in Biden’s tone, which is admittedly far different than Trump offered.
Federal employees have dedicated their careers to serving the American people — and they are worthy of the utmost dignity and respect. Today, I took action to improve the wages, benefits, and bargaining rights of federal workers and contractors.
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 23, 2021
Our conservative grader Jed Babbin was away this week. In grading Biden C-, we offer the analysis of Washington Examiner Editor-in-Chief Hugo Gurdon, who wrote the following in a letter to readers.
John Zogby
Grade A
Whether or not a new president is “entitled” to a honeymoon, Biden gets one from me. Since I have been doing these report cards, Biden’s predecessors have been granted one by me. But Biden deserves his A.
As we mark the 48th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, now is the time to rededicate ourselves to the work ahead. From codifying Roe to eliminating maternal and infant health disparities, our Administration is committed to ensuring everyone has access to the health care they need.
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 22, 2021
For starters, there was no drama on Jan. 20, 2021, and that was a relief. The anticipated violence did not materialize, and so, to the troops and leaders present at the Capitol, congratulations on a job well done.
To the new president, congratulations for striking the right tone. The time for combat, incivility, calls to insurrection, draining the swamp, and arguments over the size of the crowd is over. Biden did what he needed to do. Lower the decibel level, project calm efficiency, and reassure the people of this nation that almost all of us are better than what we have seen of those who used violence just two weeks ago. He only promised what he can deliver: experience, empathy, a strong work ethic, and an understanding of what really ails us as a people and a nation.
Biden won the presidency decisively, but there are still 47% out there who did not vote for him — and about 70% of this group who do not believe he really won. He will have to persuade at least some of them that he is a good and worthy man. So, this was not the time for New Deals or New Frontiers. Rather, it was time for reassurance. I think he delivered that in a tasteful and mature manner. How refreshing — an adult in the White House.
John Zogby is the founder of the Zogby Poll and senior partner at John Zogby Strategies. His weekly podcast with son and partner Jeremy Zogby can be heard here. Follow him on Twitter @TheJohnZogby
